Closer Look: Conversations with a Curator
Join us for our second season of exciting free online talks, where you’ll get the chance to dive deep into the world of art with our expert curators, conservators and scholars. Discover the stories behind the masterpieces, learn about the creative process, and ask all your burning questions. This month we will be joined by Professor […]
James Joyce: Enigmas and Puzzles
This exhibition from the University of Reading’s Special Collections shares never-before-seen personal papers of beloved author James Joyce from our Solange and Stephen James Joyce Collection. Explore Joyce’s large social network of friends and artists, his family life as a loving father, and the inspirations for his work. Learn about the practical adjustments Joyce made […]
Traditional ink making and writing workshop
In these 2 hour workshops led by Nicky Culetto, we’ll explore the history of ink making and discover the wide variety of useful materials and resources found in nature – including the oak gall. We will experiment with Jane Austen’s own recipe to make the oak gall ink with which she penned her famous novels, […]
Jane Austen and Rural Life
We’re joining in this year’s global celebrations to mark 250 years of Jane Austen! From 9 September, view our Jane Austen and Rural Life display to see a rare letter by Jane to her sister Cassandra (one of just 160 letters to survive Austen’s death), or follow a trail through our galleries connecting Austen’s life […]
Autumn Late
Join us after-dark for an evening of music, drinks, and crafts, and discover the museum in a new light. Wander through the galleries at your own pace, take part in informal activities led by researchers and artists, and browse unique Christmas gifts in our gift shop. Whether you’re local and haven’t visited in a while, […]
Monthly Gallery Tours – October
Curator of MERL Collections, Dr Ollie Douglas, will be joined by a different specialist for each of these monthly tours. Together they will take visitors on a short conversational guided trip through the galleries approaching our collection from a different perspective that reflects the guest speaker’s expertise, ensuring you’ll learn something new every time. Each […]
Closer Look: Conversations with a Curator
Join us for our second season of exciting free online talks, where you’ll get the chance to dive deep into the world of art with our expert curators, conservators and scholars. Discover the stories behind the masterpieces, learn about the creative process, and ask all your burning questions. This month we will be joined by […]
Embroiderey Sampler Workshop
To celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, we are offering workshops exploring two of her greatest skills – writing and embroidery. When Jane Austen was a little child, she and most girls her age would have been taught needlework and made samplers to show off their skills. In the 21st Century, needlework is for everyone, and […]
Ladybird in Focus: 100 Years On
Explore how Ladybird Books has continued to evolve since its centenary in 2015. Discover how Ladybird continues to meet the needs of modern audiences, from reviving classic books to releasing new series. On display 2 Sept 2025 – 6 Sept 2026 in the Ladybird Gallery. Image Credit: Climate Change, © Ladybird Books Ltd., 2017
Are We There Yet?
All aboard for a story telling journey like no other! This Refugee Week join us for our pop-up tour along the GWR line bringing theatre, music and comedy to unexpected places. This travelling celebration explores this year’s impactful theme: Community As A Superpower. We’re conjuring a world less hostile – one story, one stop at […]